THE TRUTH ABOUT “TOILET INFECTION”
I have seen several female patients in the gynae clinic presenting with what they term toilet infection, a term they use to describe a condition where they have one or more of the following symptoms; Vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, vaginal pruritus and fever.

-A womans vagina (private part), normally releases secretions from glands situated therein, these secretions are not foul smelling, clear, not copious (unless during sexual stimulation, at the mid-cycle when ovulation occurs or during pregnancy) under normal circumstances and are not associated with the symptoms listed above.

-When this discharge becomes foul smelling, cloudy, bloody, yellow or greenish and copius, an infection should be suspected.

The so-called "toilet infections" are NOT gotten from toilets! The closest medical name is "Vaginal Infections", and some are actually "Sexually-Transmitted Infections [STIs]"

-These infections are common in females, and about 75% of ladies will have at least a yeast infection in their lifetime. So, don't think you are "alone" if you are infected.

-The commonest infections of the so-called "Toilet infections" are: Candidiasis (fungal infection), Bacterial Vaginosis (bacterial infection), and Trichomoniasis (protozoan infection).

-While Trichomoniasis is an STI, the other two are not directly linked to sex as a cause. So don't be quick to be suspicious if your roommate or girlfriend has "toilet infections."

-It is almost impossible to get an STI from the toilet. The organism cannot survive long in that environment and getting the organism in the amount that will cause an STI is highly unlikely, especially with the immunity of an average person.

-The commoner "Toilet infections" are caused, not by organisms from the toilet, but by normal organisms in the vagina! Normally, they don't cause infections, but when they increase in number, they cause the "Toilet infections."

THE MASS INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF THESE NORMAL VAGINAL ORGANISMS CAN BE CAUSED BY:
-Douching or excessive washing of the vagina (for example, after sex, or menses, or even while bathing). This disrupt the biochemical balance and causes fungal and bacterial over- growth.

-Poor hygiene and moist/wet underwear ('pants') and not keeping the area dry, especially after taking a bath; or wearing tight underwear. Fungus loves any moist/wet environment!

-Excessive use of creams, perfumes and soaps, on the vagina could also affect its normal balance

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CAUSES OF THESE INFECTIONS.
-It could be due to hormones e.g from contraceptive pills, during monthly ovulation, during pregnancy, from steroid- drugs, etc.

-Using an antibiotic [to treat other infections], especially a strong antibiotic, for a long period of time. This could remove the ''protective'' organisms, thereby altering the balance.

-Low immunity e.g. from emotional/physical stress, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, etc
Research and microbiology show that toilets are NOT implicated in these infections, despite the common notion and reference, even from medical personnel.

WHAT ARE THE SOLUTIONS?
-Foremost is prevention; the traditional ABCDs (Abstinence, Be faithful to one partner who is also faithful to you, Condom use and Drugs). If you have an abnormal vagina discharge, before rushing to selfmedicate I advise a medical opinion is obtained. Your doctor may request for tests as appropriate and prescribe medications

-Reduce excessive use of creams, perfumes and soaps on the vagina.

-Improve on your personal hygiene and also avoid unnecessary douching.

-Avoid self medication

It is important to note that untreated or poorly treated vaginal infections can in the long term further compromise a womans reproductive health.

Stop blaming toilets!

Whatever you do, please blame not that innocent toilet again. It has nothing to do with it. Or what do you think?